More than 70 book lovers braved the December cold to attend the first ever Braunston Literary Festival.

Two books were launched during the event and attendees at All Saints Church enjoyed selected passages read by actors and canal enthusiasts Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

The first book was A Summer on the Nene by BB with illustrations by D. J. Watkins-Pitchford.

Sponsored by Braunston Marina, the covers two voyages in a small boat on the River Nene in 1966 in the twilight years of river carrying.

Tim Coghlan of Braunston Marina chaired the presentation, talking to the vice-chairman of the BB Society, Chris Coles.

Following this was Andree's War - How One Young Woman Outwitted the Nazis. It was written by her daughter Francelle Bradford White - based on her mother’s diaries and Francelle’s conversations with her.

Mr Coghlan also chaired this session, interviewed Francelle, with selected readings chosen by her, which were read by Timothy West and Prunella Scales.

David Laing, the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, presided over the event.

"I congratulate the organisers for the success of the first Braunston Literary Festival," he said.

"It deserves that title in view of its success, which has raised over £1,000 for the two charities, Crusader Community Boatings and Dementia UK."

Daventry District Council is asking residents to choose from one of eight designs drawn up for the new-look playground in the country park.

The play-area was vandalised in September and is being transformed as is part of a £235,000 project to improve the Green Flag Award-winning park.

Eight potential designs have been drawn up and people are invited to choose their favourite in order to help inform the final choice.

The new equipment will be installed in the southern end of the existing playground, which has been fenced off since September.

Rather than make repairs to the ageing equipment, the council decided to revamp that side of the play area.

Only the climbing rhinos and the zip wire, which will be refurbished, will remain.

Councillor Alan Hills, portfolio holder for community, culture and leisure at Daventry District Council, said: "The vandalism that occurred in September was incredibly disheartening for all of us who work so hard to make the country park what it is.

"But it also presented an opportunity to make significant improvements, and we are pleased to be able to show off these potential designs for the new play area.

"The country park belongs to us all, so it’s really important that people have their say on the design of the new equipment.

"Your opinion really does matter to us, so please have a look at the different designs and tell us your favourite.

"The new-look play area will mark the first phase in an exciting programme of improvements for the park which visitors will benefit from for years to come, so we’re looking forward to getting started."

The new designs offer a range of different apparatus for all ages, including new climbing frames and nets, trampolines, swings and slides.

The council hopes to have the equipment in place by the spring, once a final decision has been made on the design.

People can have their say by visiting www.daventrydc.gov.uk/countrypark - the deadline for comments is Tuesday, January 1.

Neglected and abused children in Northamptonshire are increasingly likely to be at risk of significant harm by the time social services reach them, figures show.

Social workers have warned the children in England face “generational trauma” as a result of cuts to social services, which they say have left them struggling to cope with “unmanageable” workloads.

Around 4,160 children in Northamptonshire were judged to be in need of support after being referred to social services in the 12 months to March, according to the latest Department for Education figures.

Of these children, 2,090 were made the subject of a child protection enquiry, which the British Association of Social Workers says indicates a child may already be at crisis point.

A spokesman for the organisation said cuts to preventative services such as Sure Start Centres means struggling families are not coming to the attention of social workers early enough.

This means it is “four times harder” to help them.

“At the same time the people who have been tasked with helping them have had their resources cut and their workload has increased,” he said.

“It’s a vicious circle.”

Detectives investigating a shocking robbery in Walgrave have released an e-fit of a man they want to speak to.

The victim, a 50-year-old woman, suffered horrific injuries which included a broken nose and broken jaw during what is believed to have been a robbery at an address in Old Road.

The incident happened between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, on Wednesday, December 5, where items of jewellery were taken.

The jewellery included a pair of ruby earrings and a silver watch.

Two men arrested over the incident have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Anyone who recognises the man in the e-fit or anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Nine drivers have been charged with drink-driving over three days, from Friday, December 14 to Sunday, December 16, as the Christmas campaign gets into its second week.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Northamptonshire Police would name all those charged with being over the prescribed limit as part of their annual campaign.

Now the force has published the details of those people who have been charged on their website and publicised it on their social media platforms.

The list includes the following drivers who have been charged with driving while over the prescribed limit and will appear in court to face those charges:

The following driver was charged on Friday, December 14:

Jamie Sharp, 24, of Minerva Way, Wellingborough.

READ MORE: Northamptonshire Police charged 14 motorists with drink-driving during first week of Christmas campaign

The following drivers were charged on Saturday, December 15:

Simon Towler, 34, of Westfield Avenue, Rushden; Victoria Fitzmartin, 35, of Ecton Park Road, Northampton; Derek Lemon, 71, of Rookery Lane, Northampton; Andrew Faulkner, 28, of Wappenham Road, Towcester; Abisola Ogebule, 48, of Lombardy Court, Northampton; Constantin Marin, 29, of Delapre Street, Northampton.

The following drivers were charged on Sunday, December 16:

Anne Carter, 43, of Crow Lane, Northampton; Tara Whelan, 33, of Allen Road, Finedon.

In addition, three drivers were arrested for failing a roadside drug test, pending the result of blood tests.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or dial 101. In an emergency, call 999.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

SEPTEMBER 10:

Simon Turay, aged 40, of Pomfret Court, River View, Northampton, driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. No insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, disqualified from driving for six months.

Daniel Duracik, aged 27, c/o Oasis House, Bailiff Street, Northampton, stole fishing clothing worth £39.99; community order made, surcharge £85. Failed to surrender to custody; community order made.

Jessica Malpas, of Deal Court, Northampton, aged 29, stole jeans, a shirt and cashmere coat worth £218.50 belonging to Marks & Spencer; jailed for two weeks suspended for 18 months, compensation £20. Stole a top, bag, shorts and a jacket worth £134 belonging to River Island; jailed for two weeks consective suspended for 18 months, compensation £20. Stole perfume from Boots; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for 18 months, compensation £20. Stole Paco Raban and Prada Milan fragrances worth £154.50 belonging to Debenhams; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for 18 months, compensation £20. Stole a bottle of whiskey worth £32.50 belonging to M&S; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for 18 months, compensation £20. Stole two handbags worth £118.50 belonging to Marks & Spencer; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for 18 months, compensation £20. Stole two moisturisers worth £79 belonging to M&S; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for 18 months, compensation £20.

Robert Puiu, aged 29, of Trinity Avenue, Northampton, driving while disqualified; jailed for six weeks. Drink-driving with a breath test reading of 46mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; jailed for four weeks concurrent, surcharge £115, costs £170, banned from driving for 36 months. Additional driving while disqualified; jailed for 12 weeks consecutive.

Nadejda Vasilachi, aged 26, of Upper Thrift Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 71mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £350, surcharge £35, costs £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Lauren Thomas, aged 21, of Whiteheart Close, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 80mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, surcharge £30 and costs £85.

SEPTEMBER 11

Adele Campbell, aged 51, c/o Abington Avenue, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; order to continue.

Dorin Chriac, aged 37, of Sidebrook Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £100, costs £60.

Daryl Hammond, aged 24, of Junction Road, Northampton, failed to comply with a community order; fined £50, costs £60.

Joel Davis, aged 24, c/o Cunningham Close, Daventry, possession of cannabis; fined £40, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Ricky Allsop, aged 29, of Ladycroft, Daventry, harassment; jailed for eight weeks, surcharge £115, costs £380.

Aaron Adams, aged 32, of Birchfield Road East, Northampton, damaged a door; jailed for four weeks concurrent suspended for 18 months, compensation £200. Had a lock knife in a public place without good reason; jailed for 22 weeks concurrent suspended for 18 months, surcharge £115, costs £85. Harassment; jailed for six weeks concurrent suspended for 18 months.

Valentin-Roberto Raducu, aged 41, of Earl Steet, Northampton, stole six jackets worth £239.44 belonging to Superdry; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Julius Denyoh, aged 32, of Quarry View, Roade, no insurance; fined £200, surcharge £30.

Lance Keightley, aged 50, of Main Road, Hackleton, drove without reasonable consideration to others; fined £450, surcharge £45, costs 200, licence endorsed with eight points.

Ryan Devlin, aged 32, of Lower Thrift Street, Northampton, assault; community order made to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, compensation £50. Assault; community order made to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, compensation £50, surcharge £85, costs £300.

A man apparently holding a black handgun was involved in an incident with another man in Long Buckby.

The altercation happened on Sunday, December 16, between 7.20pm and 7.40pm in Station Road.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said one man was in a white Transit van and had a claw hammer.

The other, who was walking along the street, was joined by a group of friends, one of whom had what looked to be a black handgun.

The man in the van is described as white, in his early 20s, skinny, about 6ft, with stubble.

He had black hair shaved on the side and curly on top and he was wearing a white, grey and black T-shirt.

The man thought to have had a gun is described as white, skinny, about 6ft, wearing a black hoody, baseball cap, and black tracksuit bottoms.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Brexit is already having an impact on medicine availability in Northamptonshire and is causing problems for the unwell and medical practitioners, according to a leading Corby GP.

Dr Joanne Watt, who is a senior partner at Great Oakley Medical Centre in Corby, says that certain drugs are already becoming in short supply and prescriptions are regularly being returned to doctors to prescribe alternative medicines as pharmacists’ stocks are running out.

She said on a daily basis she is having to re-write prescriptions, which is causing huge inconvenience and is ultimately leading to suffering for unwell patients.

The doctor, who is chairman of the Corby Clinical Commissioning Group, said supplies of certain popular drugs such as anti-inflammatory drug naproxen and blood pressure drug nifedipine were running low as a direct result of Britain’s proposed departure from the European Union.

Dr Watt said: “The Brexit effect is being felt and the supply of medicines is already an issue in primary care.

“It is causing people concern and is causing patients and pharmacists immense inconvenience.

“Patients are suffering and pharmacists are working hard with GPs to provide alternative drugs.”

With naproxen she said that 500mg tablets had run out so GPs had then prescribed two 250mg tablets.

As prescriptions last six months some patients are going to doctors for doses of medicine that are no longer available. The prescription then has to go back to the doctor to be re-signed as pharmacists do not have the authority to amend a prescription.

Dr Watt said the impact has now been felt for the past two to three months and she is aware from national GP forums that it is a problem across the country. Informal doctor networks are keeping each other up to date on which medicines may run into supply problems.

She said: “At the moment there is not a solution but we are hoping that more drugs will become available.”

The low supply could also have an impact on CCG budgets as prescriptions are funded at a local level.

As certain drugs become unavailable doctors may have to prescribe alternative more costly medicines.

Currently the Corby CCG spends £11.1m on prescriptions, which is about ten per cent of its annual £108m budget.

The new chief executive for both Corby and Nene CCGs Toby Sanders will be going to London on Thursday for national health discussions about Brexit.

The Government says that the NHS is stockpiling medicines in the event of a no deal Brexit which could cause issues with drugs coming into the country.

Santa’s famous red suit will be straining at the seams this Christmas thanks to the generosity of boys and girls in Daventry.

Everyone’s favourite jolly old fellow will be tucking into an astonishing 9,310 mince pies, if every local family with children leaves him a plate of the traditional festive fare.

Taking the average nutritional content across the big four supermarkets’ own-brand offerings, that would translate to a whopping 2.1 million Christmassy calories.

Altogether Christmas Eve in Daventry will see Santa consuming 77,300g of fat - more than 1,000 times higher than his recommended daily limit - and around 40,000 teaspoons of sugar.

And it’s a good thing he will have Rudolph on hand to take charge of the navigation, as he can also expect to wash the calorific treats down with a staggering 470 litres of sherry.

Registered nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed says it sounds like Mr Claus is in for a bit of a rough night.

“Poor Father Christmas, having to eat all that,” she said.

“I can imagine he wouldn’t be feeling great after eating so many mince pies – most of us would probably struggle to eat two or three in a row before our brains and fullness signals kicked in to tell us we’ve had enough.

“Perhaps he should also be eating Rudolf’s carrot, which would give him some added fibre, vitamin A and vitamin C to go along with his mince pies?”

During his travels across England this year, Father Christmas will be tucking into a grand total of more than 6.5 million mince pies.

These would contain the equivalent of 100,000 bags of sugar.

He will also slosh his way through more than 4,000 average-sized bathtubs of sherry, making for a very merry Christmas indeed.

But Christmas doesn’t have to be all naughty and no nice, according to Ms Stirling-Reed.

“The best thing about Christmas is obviously the food,” she said.

“But that doesn’t just mean sweets, cakes and biscuits – I love thinking about all the festive, in-season foods that are available at this time of year including cranberries, chestnuts, sprouts, tangerines and parsnips.

“There are so many ways to enjoy them too.

“Maybe Father Christmas can put out a request for some of these when he delivers presents to the children next year.”

Chris Heaton-Harris MP joined the manager of The Lion to celebrate the turnaround in the pub's fortunes since its £400,000 refurbishment.

Thirty jobs were created when the High Street pub reopened eight weeks ago and The Lion's trade has increased 15-fold.

To share in its success, the pub is donating 10p from every pint of Heineken served in December to a charity chosen by customers at the end of the month.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: "The Lion is a fantastic business and it was a pleasure to visit the pub on Friday and meet [manager] Chris Taylor and all the staff.

"It has been great to see the pub being given a new lease of life and to be exceeding all local expectations, as well as providing more than 30 jobs in the constituency.

"I would like to wish The Lion all the best for the future."

Mr Taylor said the pub has become a meeting place for people at all times of day and that now means he is looking to recruit five new kitchen staff.

"The feedback from locals has been really positive with comments like ‘there’s nothing like it in the area’ and ‘it’s brought a London feel to Daventry’," said Mr Taylor, who moved to Daventry to take the job.

"The pizzas and our huge gin selection and craft beers have proved most popular."

The Lion was renovated by Star Pubs & Bars.

"Chris and his team have done a great job creating a vibrant high street pub with broad appeal," said Paul Linton, Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director.

"Locals have given The Lion a resounding thumbs up since it opened, which is reflected in the figures, which have surpassed forecasts."

They include three cases so far in 2018, two of which where the officer would have been sacked on the spot.

In one case, an officer took inappropriate photos in uniform while on duty, another case saw an officer have a sexual relationship with a colleague that constituted a breach of trust. Both officers resigned before they could be dismissed.

The final case this year saw a member of staff consistently use inappropriate language and behaviour towards colleagues. They resigned before a misconduct meeting.

Since 2014, a total of 15 officers or staff have resigned before the misconduct process was complete. None have been named as their cases did not get as far as a public hearing.

Details of all the force's misconduct cases in the last four years can be found at the following links:

Resigned

Dismissed without notice

Written Warnings

Management Advice

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said it was beyond the force's control to prevent officers or staff from quitting

She said: “As a Force, we are governed by police regulations which dictate what actions we can and cannot take. Police Regulations 2017, allow officers who are under investigation to resign or retire, no longer requiring permission from the organisation to do so.

“However, the regulations do permit us to proceed with investigations and hearings notwithstanding than an accused officer has left the force. This is often the course of action that the force will take in the officer’s absence."

Although a handful of misconduct hearings are held in public at Wootton Hall each year, most are not.

The force publishes some details of the private hearings, as well as summaries of lesser transgressions that did not warrant a hearing. It has to do so under 'transparency' rules but rarely actively publicises them.

In police officer misconduct hearings the default position is that both the proceedings and outcome will take place in public.

In each case however the chair of the panel may hear legal submissions from both the Force and the officers defence team around this issue before coming to an independent decision as to whether the hearing and outcome should be held in public, in private or in public but with restrictions.

In addition, outcomes of hearings where the officer in question has been dismissed, even if in their absence, is reported to the College of Policing. Details of the officer and the conduct are added to the police barred list and subject to publication for a period of up to five years.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

SEPTEMBER 12

Jamie Fowkes, aged 46, of Tresham Green, Northampton, used threatening or insulting words or behaviour; jailed for four weeks suspended for six months, surcharge £115, costs £85. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks consecutive suspended for six months.

Stephen Hodges, aged 52, of Poppyfield Road, Northampton, possession of a class A drug; fined £180, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Ryan Thornhill, aged 20, of Yarwell Square, Northampton, possession of a class B drug; fined £80, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Simon Willis, aged 34, of Danefield Avenue, Northampton, failed to comply with a supervision order; jailed for 14 days. Stole three bottles of whisky from Morrisons; jailed for one week consecutive. Possession of a class C drug; jailed for one week concurrent. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for one week consecutive. Broke into a home and stole an ipad; jailed for 12 weeks consecutive, compensation £150. Damaged a window; jailed for four weeks concurrent, compensation £150. Attempted to steal lead flashing; jailed for two weeks.

Vasile Vaideanu, aged 27, of Blenheim Road, Northampton, possession of an offensive weapon, namely a baton; jailed for eight weeks suspended for 12 months. Possessionof CS spray; jailed for eight weeks concurrent suspended for 12 months, surcharge £115, costs £85.

Reece Whitney, aegd 20, of Bective Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £120, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £40. No test certificate; fined £40.

Tiberiu Andrei, aged 24, of Celeborn Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £400, surcharge £40, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Chelsea Gregory, aged 19, of Spencer Gardens, Brackley, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Heather Hodgskin, aged 62, of Cherry Hill, Old, driving at 109mph in a 70mph zone on the M1; fined £293, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 28 days.

Joseph Holdsworth, aged 27, of Spinney Hill Road, Northampton, driving at 88mph in a 70mph zone; fined £100, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.

Tomasz Slezak, aged 32, of Abington Avenue, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Gabriel Soare, aged 25, of Somerset Street, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Asher Edwards, aged 23, of Welland Way, Northampton, assault; community order made, compensation £200, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Jordan Flanagan, aged 20, of Pleydell Gardens, Northampton, damaged a door; community order made, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £85. Assault; community order made.

Nikita Gusca, aged 24, of Margaret Street, Northampton, assault; community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, compensation £150, surcharge £85, costs £85. Damaged a window; community order made, compensation £100.

Jack Irving, aged 34, of Woodford Road, Byfield, Daventry, assault; community order to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, compensation £125, surcharge £85, costs £85. Assault; community order made to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, compensation £125.

SEPTEMBER 13

Paige Lackin, aged 21, of Randall Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 85mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £326, surcharge £32, costs £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Davy King, aged 32, of Billing Road, Northampton, stole a hooded jumper worth £49.99 belonging to SuperDry; jailed for two weeks consecutive. Stole a coat worth £79.99 belonging to SuperDry; jailed for two weeks consecutive, compensation £129.98. Stole alcohol worth £241 belonging to Asda; jailed for two weeks consecutive, compensation £241. Stole chocolate worth £85 belonging to Select Convenience Store; jailed for two weeks consecutive, compensation £85. Assault; jailed for four weeks, compensation £50.

Lisa McDonaugh, aged 44, of Rounding Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 71mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £350, surcharge £35, costs £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Alexander Comrie, aged 43, of no fixed abode, failed to comply with the Sexual Offences Act 2003; fined £80, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Daniel Popley, aged 24, of Nags Head Lane, Hargrave, failed to comply with a community order; fined £338, costs £60.

Ronald Wills, aged 51, of no fixed abode, breach of a criminal behaviour order; fined £50, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Ian Spring, aged 51, of Mill Lane, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £40, surcharge £30, costs £85.

Constantin Stanciu, aged 27, of Church Green, Northampton, handling stolen goods; compensation £1,420.

Hussein Yusuf, aged 22, of Moat Place, Northampton, assault, community order made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, compensation £150, surcharge £85, costs £85.

Eromosele Akhigbe, aged 38, of Baulmsholme Close, Northampton, stalking; community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, compensation £200, surcharge £85, costs £250.

Mark Bentley, aged 32, of Worcester Close, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with eight points.

Samantha Brown, aged 45, of Main Road, Hackleton, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £83, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Maurice Carasco, aged 56, of Tyes Court, Northampton, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Arjan Cengu, aged 31, of Northwood Road, Northampton, driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone; fined £133, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.

Victor Chirtoca, aged 23, of Sentinel Road, Northampton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.

Suraj Roman, of Craven Road in Rugby, attacked the driver - who agreed to give him a lift for free - five years ago and fled the country after the assault.

But he was arrested at Luton Airport in 2015 when returning to the UK and went on trial at Northampton Crown Court.

Detective Constable Andrew Scott, who led the investigation, said: "Within two days of committing this horrific attack, Roman tried to escape and went back to Romania.

"He even changed his appearance and later tried to sneak back into the country.

"Despite the amount of time that passed, we managed to arrest him and have now successfully got a good result in court for the victim.

"This was a sustained attack, even as the victim was trying to get away, on an innocent man who offered him a free lift just out of his good nature.

"Roman repaid him with a violent outburst that will no doubt live with the victim for the rest of his life."

In September 2013, Roman had cold-called the victim at his home having noticed his taxi parked outside.

Initially, the victim had refused to give Roman a lift because he had admitted not having any money to pay for the fare.

Roman returned to the victim’s home and convinced his mum to persuade the victim to offer the lift without payment.

The victim agreed and drove Roman 19 miles from Coventry to Berryfields Farm off the A45, between Braunston and Daventry.

It was at this point that Roman withdrew a screwdriver he had on him and started attacking the victim to the head.

The victim fled the car, followed by Roman, who tackled him and continued a vicious attack.

The victim eventually managed to escape and flag down a passing motorist who alerted police.

Officers later discovered that Roman had fled the country, but in 2015 he was arrested at Luton Airport.

Roman denied the offences, having changed his personal appearance, and went to trial at Northampton Crown Court.

DNA and fingerprint evidence connected Roman to the offence and following a three-day trial, he was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

In 2018, nine murder investigations were launched in Northamptonshire, as well as unsolved hit and run case in Northampton that killed a 39-year-old man.

They also included the murder of Chris Matthews, who was stabbed to death while he slept by his flatmate Spencer Hobson in a fit of rage in Northampton.

Now, between January and March 2019, six of these murder cases will be brought to trial.

On January 2, Robert Fields, 22, from Brackley, will stand trial accused of murdering 23-year-old Augustus 'Gus' Davies, who was found stabbed to death in his home in Old Town, Brackley in June.

Fields will appear at Northampton Crown Court along with Simon Atherton, 42, and Amanda Butler, 39, both from Brackley, who are charged with seven counts of possession with intent to supply drugs and possessing cash gained from criminal activity, to which they have pleaded not guilty.

It is understood to be the first murder case in Brackley in 18 years.

Then, on January 7, a 17-year-old boy will stand trial for the murder of Louis-Ryan Menezes, 17, from Rothwell, who was stabbed to death in an incident in Drayton Walk, Kingsthorpe, in May.

The 17-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty and cannot be named because of his age.

On January 14, the trial of Ryan Coleman, 22, of no fixed abode, will begin at Birmingham Crown Court following the death of a one-year-old Evelyn-Rose Muggleton as a result of a head injury.

Evelyn-Rose was found unresponsive at a property in Regent Street, in Kettering, on April 26 and died three days later.

On February 4, Daniel Quinn, 28, from Wolverhampton, will stand trial at Northampton Crown Court charged with the murder of 34-year-old Daniel Fitzjohn.

He will appear along with, and Parminder Sanghera, 25, also from Wolverhampton, who is charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Daniel Fitzjohn was found with stab wounds in Kingsley in June following an incident in Brookfield Road and Randall Road. He was taken to hospital and died a short time later.

Sean Doherty, 24, of Lincoln Way, Corby, will appear at Northampton Crown Court on February 18 charged with the murder of Thomas Gravestock.

Police and paramedics were called to an address close to Lincoln Way in Butterwick Walk, Corby in August where sadly, Thomas, aged 35, was found dead at the scene.

Mr Gravestock reportedly died of multiple injuries.

Finally, four men will appear in court on March 18 charged with the murder of 29-year-old Tairu Jallow, who was stabbed to death at his home in Havelock Street, Kettering, in January.

They are Clever Makande, 23, Kausa Ceesay, 23, and Ngange Sowe, 29, all from Birmingham, as well as Babacarr Slyva, 31, from Nottingham.

Meanwhile, two men have been charged with murder following the shooting of Joshua Bains, 28, who died on October 4. They are Jerome Smikle, 27, of St Leonard's Road, Far Cotton, and 25-year-old Kayongo Shuleko, from Edmonton, north London.

They are also charged with possession of firearms.

And today, the family of Shane Fox made a tearful public appeal for witnesses to come forward after the 26-year-old was stabbed to death in Nest Farm Crescent in Wellingborough's Hemmingwell estate in the early hours of December 1.

Between April 2017 and March 2018, Northamptonshire recycled or composted 182,769 tonnes of waste, 49% of all rubbish, according to the latest Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs figures.

This is better than three years ago, when 48% of the rubbish was recycled.

The Government wants half of the country’s household waste to be recycled by 2020.

England recycled 42% of its rubbish in 2017-18, in line with three years ago.

To improve recycling rates, the Government has announced that every home will have weekly food waste collections and packaging will be more clearly labelled to show if it can go in household recycling bins.

Councillor Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s environment spokesman, said: “The best way to boost recycling rates is to prevent unrecyclable waste from entering the environment in the first place.

“Councils are keen to work with supermarkets and manufacturers so that they can switch to recyclable packaging where possible.”

Incineration plants burned 36% of the Northamptonshire’s rubbish. The vast majority was sent to specialist energy from waste power plants to generate heat and electricity.

Over the last three years, the incineration rate in Northamptonshire has risen from 4% in 2014-15.

Northamptonshire sent 53,023 tonnes of waste to landfills, 14% of the total.

The Government aims to cut the amount of rubbish going to landfill sites to 10% by 2035.

A cross party report, launched in July in the House of Lords, called on the Government to take oversight of the industry and introduce an incineration tax.

Research revealed that incinerators in England polluted more last year than a quarter-of-a-million lorries travelling 75,000 miles.

Shlomo Dowen, of United Kingdom Without Incineration Network (UKWIN), believes most of the waste being incinerated could be recycled.

He said: “We need to stop burning recyclable material, and this means we need to stop building new incinerators.

“Separate collection of food waste should be accompanied by increasing the range of recyclable material collected at the kerbside, and Government needs to introduce an incineration tax to ensure that those sending waste for incineration pay the cost of the pollution they cause.”

Daventry District Council’s (DDC) environmental services partner Daventry Norse says it will collect real trees if they are put out alongside bins during the week beginning January 21.

This is an extra collection for all homes, including those not subscribed to the garden waste service.

There are no communal collection points for real Christmas trees, but if residents wish to recycle their trees sooner, then they can take them to their local household waste recycling centre.

This is when your bins will be collected this festive period

A collision between a car and motorbike closed a road into Daventry town centre.

Police attended the scene on London Road and shut it between the A45 and the town centre Oxford Street/New Street roundabout.

The accident took place not too far from Travis Perkins and was first reported at 2.20pm.

The authority's cabinet had made the decision to shut the doors of Great Creaton Primary School back in September, but parents have been fighting against the closure ever since.

Parent Kirsty Lowe, 41, had instructed public law specialists at Irwin Mitchell to fight the closure on behalf of her four-year-old daughter, Maya, who is a current reception pupil at Great Creaton.

But an interim relief application to try and prevent the closure at the end of December fell at the first hurdle on December 12 in Birmingham, with Irwin Mitchell unable to replicate the success it had with its last judicial review against the county council over proposed library closures.

Caroline Barrett, an associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell and the public law specialist representing Kirsty and Maya, said: “Great Creaton Primary School is an important part of our client’s life, as well as being an integral part of the local community.

“But the court decided on this occasion that the detriment that would be caused to the council in keeping the school open for any longer was greater than the detriment that would be caused to our client.

“The court has therefore determined it’s not going to grant the interim relief we sought, and has not granted permission for the case to proceed further.

“This is of course very disappointing for our clients, and we will be working with them to consider their options further.”

The county council decided to close the school due to dwindling numbers, but parents felt the decision was unlawful for numerous reasons, including a failure to lawfully consult with residents and pupils and to consider the impact of the closure on the local community.

The parents felt numbers could have increased with 'fresh management' and the support of a local Multi Academy Trust.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “We welcome the decision of the court in this matter.”

Braunston Primary School children took part in a reverse advent calendar, which saw each pupil donate something.

They filled eight boxes of goods, which will be handed to Daventry foodbank next week.

Earlier this year, the pupils donated 57 bags of food to the foodbank and raised £279 for Macmillan cancer research.

Daventry's two E-Act academies - DSLV and The Parker - have also been collecting donations.

Inspired by the thoughts from their joint Ambassadorial Advisory Group (AAG), both academies were asked to share the good work of the foodbank and, in doing so, students and families would contribute to its cause.

Donations from both schools were dropped at one of the collection points, ready for the team to distribute them to the wider community.

The Parker's interim headteacher Bhavin Tailor said: "The generosity of our students, families and staff has been endearing.

"Such activities not only build our community spirit but it actualises our core values of unity, strength and endeavour."

The mudlark madness known as the Wild and Woolly scramble will return to Northamptonshire on Boxing Day.

The race sees 50 riders burning off the turkey calories as they line up at Arm Farm, Blisworth (NN7 3DW).

This mud-hole mayhem event is the world’s oldest continuously-run scrambles.

First held in 1932 it is one of the county’s fine traditions and has always been strongly supported by local members of the motorcycle trade.

Among them is Jack Lee of John Lee Motorcycles of Higham Ferrers, who starts as favourite riding a Beta.

Five times a winner of this event he faces strong opposition from South African ace Neville Bradshaw (Yamaha) who has won twice, and stunt rider Ryan Griffiths who has previously dominated the event with ten wins.

Lee’s brothers Chas (Beta) and Jonathan (Yamaha) also ride, and the event includes regular female rider Hayley Rilings (KTM), also a stunt rider.

She is always cheered by the crowd as she battles through the mud holes.

There is no charge to spectate at this charity event run by the Northampton Motor Cyclists Club, and parking is free.

Local charities benefit from donations on the day.

The one-hour plus one lap race starts at 11am.

Practice starts at about 10am.

Spectators are advised to turn up in good time to park and walk to the track. Stout boots and wellingtons are advised.